Aljezurense started off this home match like a rocket, and should have been 3 or 4 nil up after as many minuets, Pele 14, Casinhas 10, Simao 80 and Fabinho 5 all were very close to hitting the target.

The match settled but Aljezurense were still the more forceful, and were ahead after 20 mins when a corner was won on the right, the perfect strike by Simao found Noel 17, unmarked on the edge of the goal area and his forceful header crashed into the netting 1 – 0.

Almancilense responded and some hapless defensive work by first Africano 4, then Noel, allowed chances for the visitors only for Abel 12 to make fine saves. The first half came to an end with Aljezurense in command, but more goals were required to be assured of victory.

The second half saw Lawrence 18, replaced having been booked for a clumsy tackle, by Kieran 15, strengthening the defence with Africano moving to left back, and Peter 8, being replaced by Claudomiro 69, giving a more strength to the attack.

Several chances went by with Casinhas missing 2 simple tap ins but it wasn’t long before Aljezurense secured the match. Fabinho and Simao played some excellent football with  Catita 9 hitting a strong shot goal wards, the keeper made a fine save but he pushed the ball to the advancing Pele 14 who volleyed home 2 – 0.

Abel was called on to make a couple of fine saves to stop the visitors scoring, but Aljezurense ran out worthy winners. Next Saturday away to Machados on a sandy pitch that hardly resembles a football playing surface, and the following week at home to FC 11 Esperancas  second in the league.  These six points should secure the league title, with Serrano to play at home on the 24^th March, the other two matches being Monchiquense and Bensafrim away. For those planning a party for St. Patrick’s day 17^th March, Aljezurense have a day off so enjoy the day.

Back on the road and looking to maintain their unbeaten run this season,  Aljezurense visited a very windy but sunny Tavira. Several changes to the team saw Abel remain in goal as Toco still has a finger injurywith Kieran absent because of sickness,  giving Africano the central defensive roll  and Pele 14 started up front alongside Casinhas.

 Aljezurense started well and were quick to adapt to the strong wind blowing diagonally across the pitch, Lawrence settled well and was involved in several moves. After 4 mins. Casinhas was put through and his turn of speed beat the home defense, Casinhas hit the perfect volley but saw the advancing goalkeeper pull off a magnificent save.

Ajezurense were the stronger side and mid way through the half Pele 14 hit the perfect through ball which was met by Casinhas, his run beat the keeper and he fired low into the empty net 0 – 1.

Aljezurense were cooking on gas now and several goal attempts were thwarted more by luck than judgement, the second was soon to follow, a perfect free kick from Pele 14 found Noel 17 unmarked and his crisp first time strike gave the visitors a deserved 2 goal lead at half time.

The second half had not long started and the manager decided to make a few changes to give the lads on the bench a run.  Catita 9 a player not seen so far this term came on and played wide right, his pace and control was too good for the home side and the excellent Lawrence found him with ease time after time. Pele 14 opened up the static defence with a fine through ball and Catita pounced, his perfect lob beat the keeper 0 – 3.

Samao 80 was also having a fine match and was rewarded when he received a ball 40m out,  his fine run beating 2 players enabled him to hit a fierce shot which was deflected by a hapless defender into the goal 0 – 4.

Well on top now attack after attack nearly came to fruition when Lawrence rose above the defence only for his crisp header to smack against the bar. Soon after Lawrence hit another perfect pass to find Catita he rounded the keeper 0 – 5.

Joao 7 being the last replacement was far too quick for the home defense, and it wasn’t long before he was firing at goal, his first attempt from 30m skimmed the bar but his second from outside the box after side stepping the defence crashed into the home goal, game set and match 0 – 6.

A great team performance headed by great displays from Lawrence 18, Samao 80, Pele 14, Africano 4 and Casinhas 10, has secured top spot with a six point gap.

Next week 11/02/2012 home to Almancilense 15:00 K.O.

Aljezurense battled hard to win this match and ran out worthy winners. Several team changes from the last game saw Abel 12 replace Toco 13  in goal, Jardel 21 start up front and Laurence 18 replacing Fabino 5 in midfield, at last a strong squad.

With the ball fizzing about it was not long before the visitors’ number 9 showed his hand and in quick succession he made 3 terrible bookable tackles that went by a timid referee.  With this followed the visitors’ number 20 who thought he would get in on the act and he tried exactly the same ploy.

Kieran at the centre of defence was having an off day and Abel, Noel 17 and Africano 4 came to the rescue. Claudio 69 was back to his best form and his dazzling runs troubled the visitors defence.  Simao 80 holding the ball up well, together with Laurence, forged several great passes forward but at halftime there was still no score.

The second half started like the first, with the Quarteirense  number 9 continuing in his violent ways, Kieran was now back at his best doing well,  leading the defence into a solid base from which to spring,  and it wasn’t long before Aljezurense were in front.  A corner was forced out of a smart attack,  and the perfect delivery saw Noel 17 rise above the visitors’ defence to head home a fine goal. 1-0.

The home team now looked to finish the game off,  and Laurence was having a fine match marshalling the midfield. Fabino 5 was brought on to replace Claudio, and two swift moves found the visitors on the back foot.  Another corner forced, and in replica fashion Noel again forced the ball home 2-0.

The poor referee still had not booked the Quarteirense number 9 although he gave several yellow cards for back chatting.  After what looked like a perfect tackle by the ever improving Leandro 6 on the left,  the free kick was knocked into an open space in the home defence, and the ball was knocked into the net past the stranded Abel 2-1.

The last 15 minutes saw the visitors rally,  but sound defending by Aljezurense saw the team home to a deserved 2-1 victory.

Aljezurense remain top of the league, unbeaten with 21 points. FC Esperancas on 18 points and Serrano 15 points. Aljezurense travel to Tavira next Saturday 4^th February, who have won 1 game, drawn 2 and lost 5.  Let’s hope our winning streak continues.